The road less travelled
By Paul Breschuk
Feature Writer
August 26, 2009
 As a kid, I was your typical sidewalk-riding, corner store-going cyclist. Of course, my mountain bike became sadly neglected after I was liberated by a driver’s license. During this time I became what one would describe as a somewhat aggressive driver. Though, at the first sight of a bike within my lane of traffic, this aggressive driver would become a full-fledged road rager.
It was incomprehensible to me why a cyclist would choose to ride in my lane. Besides the inconvenience forced upon me, weren’t these people aware of the danger they were putting themselves in?
More importantly, a bike in my lane meant a delay.
Upon encountering such an obstacle I would be taken aback, confused as to how much room this person thought they deserved (or needed). And while I slowed down so as to avoid collision, my mind would search for an explanation, asking: is this person riding on the road purely out of spite? Is this some sort of brazen, egotistical demonstration of cyclists’ rights?
It never occurred to me that this commuter was just trying to get from point A to point B, like I was. This knowledge seemed to be obscured by my growing anger, however, as I fought to keep from screaming, “get off the road!” I didn’t care what other options remained for the bike: sidewalk, alleys, lawns, underground sewer system - I just wanted it off of my road!
Finally, at the first semi-safe opportunity, I would accelerate around the moving pylon in a fury of exhaust fumes.
This pattern of behavior may seem familiar to you, whether it is experienced from a bike or car. In my case, since taking up road biking after a fortuitous running injury, I am now acquainted with both sides of the coin. My education has come full-circle as I have become the very annoyance I so despised.
It is important to note, however, that my road-bound cycling is carried out in a safe and legal fashion. In order to command the respect of motorists, one must display a willingness to follow the rules of the road (like any other vehicle). Signaling, obeying traffic lights and stop signs, and travelling in the appropriate direction of traffic are musts.
It is difficult to imagine myself as another impatient motorist lurking behind a bike, waiting to lunge out for a pass at the first sliver of space. Though, I suppose it takes that sort of perspective change to see the bigger picture. In hindsight, I regret feeling such irrational hostility toward cyclists. I’m also left wondering: is there an easier way for drivers to experience this attitudinal metamorphosis? Is biking the roads firsthand the only way one can fully understand the issue?
"Get off the road!"
These four words, whether internalized in a driver’s brain or screamed out of a car window, convey a wish for a cyclist to immediately cease his or her existence on a particular road. Despite being an easy solution for the driver, how does it help the cyclist? Through deduction, the most logical interpretation of “get off the road” leaves us with unspoken suggestion: “get on the sidewalk.”
A perceived sanctuary for bikes, sidewalks offer fond childhood memories of a safer, simpler avenue for traveling. Most of us seem to remember pedaling the neighborhood sidewalks, blissfully ignorant of cars, basking in the comforts of physical segregation. The problem with this alternative, however, is found in its very name: sideWALK.
Aside from being illegal, riding a bike in an area specifically designated for pedestrians can be quite dangerous. This practice also contains an element of hypocrisy as sidewalk cyclists put the wellbeing of pedestrians at risk. On Aug. 6, a 50-year old Toronto woman lost her life after being struck on the sidewalk by a bike.
Sidewalk riding is also dangerous for the cyclist. A 2003 bicycle/motor-vehicle collision study (conducted by Toronto’s Works and Emergency Service Department) found that of all collisions, over half involved sidewalk cycling. These findings support an already-established theme that has been highlighted in Wachtel and Lewiston’s study, Risk Factors for Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions at Intersections. This study has found the car-bike collision rate to be 1.8 times higher for sidewalk riders. Accidents, in general, are also heightened by this form of cycling. Toronto’s Bicycle Safety Issues study presented data indicating bicycle crash rates to be six to 10 times as high on sidewalks as on streets. Still, there remains a false sense of security with sidewalk riding.
Bikes travelling on the sidewalk are constantly crossing driveways and intersections at high speeds and unexpected directions and positions. They are also easily obscured by parked cars, signs, fences, and shrubbery, making it more likely for a driver to be unpleasantly surprised, asking, “how’d that get there?” at a bloody windshield.
Stay on the road
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act defines the bicycle as a vehicle belonging on the road. There are limitations, however. It is ordered that a bike should remain both in the right lane and as far to the right of that lane as possible. This, of course, does not mean that you should ride in the gutter. Instead, it is wise to allow a buffer zone of one metre for maneuverability-sake lest you encounter a pothole or sudden gust of side-wind. Maintain the same buffer zone when passing parked cars, also, unless you want to an exiting motorist to give you “the door prize.”
The same room you give yourself on the right is expected by law to be given to you by passing motorists on the left. In fact, some U.S. states have adopted a three-foot rule, which guarantees a safe passing distance.
There is nothing more frightening than being overtaken by a speeding transport truck that graciously offers you an inch of clearance. There have been occasions such as these when I have felt the hair rise on the back of my neck (and it wasn’t from the passing truck’s air-suction effect).
The law also grants the cyclist the option to “take the lane” when the roadway becomes too narrow for safe passing (except for roads of higher speeds). In these cases, riding in the middle of the lane is in fact the safest alternative to being squeezed off the roadway. Though this may trouble some motorists, your life is worth more than their momentary inconvenience. This strategy is also a good way to avoid being punted by a F-150’s side-view mirror.
Setting a good example is an important aspect to what has become a struggle for “hearts and minds” in the cyclist’s rights war. All too easily, the good habits of one cyclist is washed away by that one guy going the wrong direction through a red light.
I have found that by riding in a consistent, predictable fashion (while obeying road rules), motorists generally show much patience and courtesy. By confidently holding your line in the lane, instead of weaving in and out of parked cars, you’re showing drivers that you deserve the right to the roadway. And, who knows - maybe sidewalk cyclists will take notice, also.
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